Last week I gave you some information on Weather Warning Options and how to access them. This week I would like to go over some ways that you can prepare for a disaster that may help you and your family if you are faced with some type of emergency or disaster. Keep in mind it is up to you to come up with your own plan based on your own needs and this is only a few things that you may need to consider to help keep you safe and comfortable during an emergency or disaster.

• Create a Personal Disaster Plan. A plan that will take care of your needs and your family needs. Plan your actions now for what could happen later.

• Keep your plan up to date and practice the plan.

• Post emergency phone numbers near your phone.

• Arrange for someone to check on you in the event of a disaster.

• Be aware of others in your neighborhood that may need special help.

• Plan on what to do with your pets if you are evacuated or sick and cannot take care of them.

• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of emergency.

• Plan and practice the best escape routes from your home to the place you need to go.

• Have a disaster supply kit that has a first aid kit with extra family prescription medications.

• Have a battery powered radio with extra batteries to keep informed.

• Have a flashlight with extra batteries.

• You will need to have extra non-perishable food and water for at least five days in your house.

• Everyone needs a secondary heat source in case something happens to the primary heat source. It is important that the secondary heat source operates completely on its own. It will also need to operate on a different fuel/energy source than the primary heat source operates on.